There is an increasing population of students coming to college who challenge and frustrate staff. Students struggle with complex mental health problems, environmental stress, anger difficulties, and the potential for explosively acting out with threats or violence. This practical guide provides college and university staff with direction when working with these students in a variety of college environments, including community colleges, four-year institutions, and online learning environments. Coverage includes how to identify and assess students who are at risk, calm and de-escalate a crisis, motivate and inspire change, and how to manage and maintain change in a positive direction over time. Grounded in theory and research, this book offers practical and tangible advice and guidance to make it easier to assist students in need.

"An engaging, enjoyable, and highly readable book on a challenging subject! The specific examples and practical advice for various departments in student services should help bring down the stress levels for front-line staff in particular. Well done!"
—Cheryl Hagen, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer, Schoolcraft College, USA

Brian Van Brunt is Senior Vice President for Professional Program Development at the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management (NCHERM), USA.

Amy Murphy is Assistant Professor of Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education at Angelo State University and formerly the Dean of Students at Texas Tech University, USA.